Raptor teammates rally around Valanciunas

Despite being charged with drunk driving, Jonas Valanciunas of the Raptors will play in Wednesday night’s game against Philadelphia.

The 21 year old centre was not made available to reporters today. Valanciunas hid inside the Raptors’ weight room while his teammates finished practice and spoke to the media on his behalf.

Point guard Kyle Lowry: “He’s sick right now… really hurt by it, really embarrassed by it, very disappointed in himself. i can tell you that for sure.”

The 21 year old centre was arrested and charged with drunk driving early Monday morning in Wasaga Beach, where he had been spending his day-off with friends. Because he hasn’t been convicted, he will be allowed to play, and any future penalties will be handed-down by the NBA, not the Raptors.

General manager Masai Ujiri: “I can’t say I’m going to suspend him for 2 games, or fine him, but I will say as an organization it’s not something we’re going to take lightly.”

Valanciunas released this statement on Monday: “I hold myself to a high standard and take my role as a member of the Toronto Raptors very seriously. I apologize to the organization, my teammates, my family and my fans, and regret any negativity this incident has brought upon them.”

While he may have been able to avoid the media, he made a point of apologizing to his teammates before today’s practice, and this close-knit squad is rallying around him.

Coach Dwayne Casey: “We all make mistakes. It’s what we do after it is how we’re gonna be judged. We’ll go through the process. He’s in good standing with the team and we’ll see what happens after that.”

For now, they’re focused on playing Philadelphia Wednesday night, in the fifth-last game of the season, before heading into the playoffs.